Dear LOSD Community,

We have significant starting points in order for LOSD students and staff to return to school next year. It is important for us all to know and understand that school will not be the same as it has been in the past. Students will be spending the vast majority of their time in school with their cohorts inside their classroom and most instruction will be brought to them. 

Complex ODE guidance and significant budget constraints require us to make difficult decisions, almost all of which involve trade-offs. None of it is ideal, but we are committed to being flexible, creative and responsive to ensure each student and staff member safely experience the best education possible in the circumstances created by the pandemic.

Reduced Budget

Because of the pandemic’s severe and immediate impact on the economy and state revenues, at this time, LOSD has had to cut $5.1 million out of our budget for the next school year. Every decision we make has to be cost neutral from that $5.1 million reduction. Because of significant changes that will need to be made to adhere to public health measures alongside this budget reality, many LOSD staff may be asked to take on different assignments and roles within their qualifications to meet our students’ needs. For example, we will use current office staff and administrators to serve Palisades and Uplands, should that be our ultimate decision. Click here for more information about the budget impacts to LOSD.

ODE Guidance

The word guidance can be misleading. ODE guidance includes requirements, which are not optional, and recommendations, which are best practices. In order to receive funding and to be responsible by law, LOSD must follow the state guidance for public schools to reopen this fall. Click here to read the current ODE guidance. Some of the most significant and challenging guidance includes:

ODE guidance states each person in a space needs to have a minimum area of 35 square feet assigned to them and strive to be at least six feet apart. This requirement is determining class sizes next year, which will be greatly reduced from our 25-29 student average to 15-20 students. This will require us to use every available elementary space as a regular classroom, including innovation labs, libraries, music rooms and gymnasiums, as well as all school properties. This is why LOSD and our neighboring school districts had to cancel preschool and pre-k programs as we are obligated to focus all available resources to K-12 students. Adding additional temporary classrooms, commonly referred to as portables, is not an option. Not only is there a significant cost for each portable, the earliest portables could be available is seven to nine months from today, which is too late for reopening school next year.

ODE guidance states students need to be, to the extent possible, in consistent cohorts. Maintaining consistent cohorts is intended to help reduce potential spread, track contacts, minimize disruption in the event of a positive case, and manage cleaning and disinfecting of all touchable surfaces in between uses. Students will be spending their time in school with their cohorts inside their classroom and most instruction will be brought to them. For example, in all elementary schools, library staff will deliver books and food service staff will deliver most meals to the classrooms. Students will not be going into innovation labs or libraries, because these spaces will be used as regular classrooms and there are too many things for students to touch that cannot be cleaned in-between uses. Recesses will be organized to keep students with their cohorts. As our goal is to have all elementary students attend school every day, this guidance requires us to use all elementary schools, including Palisades and Uplands, for this unusual year. 

As we build the LOSD reopening plan, we will be providing updates, asking for feedback, and periodically sharing findings and insights. Additionally, we will resume near-weekly communications through a “Summer Current '' because, unlike years of the past, much information needs to be shared regularly this summer. You can expect to begin seeing the Summer Current today. All of the information will be posted on losdschools.org. Coming soon will be communication about plans for our middle and high schools, as well as the online school option and bus transportation. 

We in LOSD wish circumstances could be much different and appreciate your continued engagement during this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Teachers, Staff, Families and Community,

We are developing the LOSD plans for reopening schools in the fall, incorporating the complex guidance from Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). We plan to provide an update each week and to ask for your feedback and ideas, via email and posted on the homepage of losdschools.org.

This week, we are sharing draft guiding principles for the reopening planning process and two options being considered for K-5 elementary schools, both which require your feedback by Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m. We will be sharing considerations for 6-8th and 9-12th graders in upcoming weekly messages.

Following are Guiding Principles for Reopening Plans

1. We will use the LOSD Equity lens in our decision making, with particular focus on ensuring that vulnerable learners receive instruction and support to minimize opportunity and achievement gaps.

2. We will provide educational programming that is rigorous and worthy of LOSD, the best school district in Oregon and among the best school districts in the nation, whether online or in-person.

3. We value the connection and relationship between teachers/staff and students and will strive for regular connection in each model - online, in-person/hybrid. This includes contact support for social emotional/mental health support.

4. We value having K-12 students (who are able to be) in school as much as possible.

5. We will implement preventative measures in schools and facilities by using OHA and CDC guidelines for health and safety.

6. Our teaching practices will be centered on tight-flexible expectations that are widely known and understood by staff, and provide necessary training and support for all staff to uphold these in order to have consistency across schools and classrooms.

7. All students have access to high-quality educational programming with differentiated support from staff to address unfinished learning, scaffolds, extensions and enrichment. 

8. We value the partnership of our community and will seek input from staff,  Education Associations and parents in the planning process. 

9. Should ODE and public health authorities require transition from in-person to at-home learning, our plan will transition while maintaining instructional standards.

10. Our plan will be logistically and financially feasible, while heading the needs of LOSD stakeholders.  

Please click here to complete a 1-minute survey to provide feedback on the guiding principles.

Having worked through multiple scenarios, LOSD is considering two of the most viable options for maximizing learning while maintaining ODE and OHA requirements for schools. An online option will also be provided for students who need to remain at home for the duration of the school year.

Both in-school elementary options include: 

• Lunch will be provided in the classroom to minimize co-mingling in the hallways 

• All elementary students and staff may engage in structured online instruction once a month, to improve and retain skills should all need to be online for a duration of time

• All elementary schools will be staffed with an administrator and front office staff, and will receive the same services

• Bus transportation will be provided to all schools, although families will be encouraged to drive if possible to help with physical distancing on buses

Elementary Option A: Daily School Attendance 

• Classes of 18-20 students (to enable physical distancing requirements) taught by a licensed teacher 

• Same 18-20 students remain together in one cohort, including recess and lunch

• All elementary students attend in-person school for five days a week of consecutive live, synchronous instruction

• K-4th grade students attend neighborhood elementary school

• 5th grade students attend Uplands (northside) or Palisades (southside)

Elementary Option B: Alternating School Attendance 

• Classes of 12-14 students (to enable physical distancing requirements) taught by a licensed teacher 

• Same 12-14 students remain together in one cohort, including recess and lunch

• All elementary students attend in-person school every other day, alternating between live, synchronous instruction and independent, asynchronous lessons

• K-5 students attend boundary neighborhood school

• Limited fee-based childcare may be available

Elementary teachers, staff and families, please click here to complete a 1-minute survey to provide feedback on the elementary school options for the 2020-2021 school year.

Thank you for your continued engagement as we make plans for reopening our schools in the fall.

Sincerely,

Dear LOSD Community, 

I want to express how deeply troubled I am over the disturbing and serious events related to the death of George Floyd. Like so many, I am deeply saddened by Floyd's death, and the continuous pain that this contributes to across our society. By now, the world has watched, perhaps repeatedly, the unfathomable scene of a man’s life being taken from him, even while he begged for his life. Many of our children have undoubtedly viewed this horrific event, and have now witnessed, with the rest of us, the ensuing violence and anger erupting across the country. I am heartbroken about yet another person’s life being taken, another family losing a loved one, and another incident adding to the collective and historical wounding of our communities of color, and indeed each and every one of us.

It may be easy, from the safety of homes, to say this does not affect us, but the ripples of pain and anguish that result from ongoing systemic racism do indeed impact each and every one of us. We are each learning and growing in our understanding of how systemic racism impacts our relationships, our friends and family, and our own psyche. In our learning it is imperative to acknowledge the differences among us with compassion and empathy. To our neighbors, friends, community members of color, I want to convey this: I see you and I hear you. I understand you have a different lived experience than I do, and I want to understand so that we can grow and heal together. 

In LOSD, we are committed to actively contributing to the healing and repair that is desperately needed in response to systemic racism. We strive to be a safe and inclusive community, to disrupt racism, and to support our community of color and all members of our community. We know that the fight against racism, oppression and hate cannot fall by default on our community members of color. We must lead it together. Our district efforts, centered on the LOSD Equity Policy, include intentional efforts of the School Board, our district and school leaders, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and staff and student leaders who are squarely focused on eradicating racism and inequities in our community. We are committed to our efforts to enact anti-racism and social justice in our schools, and to supporting the unique needs of our students of color, including our Black and African American students, as the too frequent victims of racism and racist acts. 

Even though we’re not physically together to discuss these tragic events, we can offer some support. If your student wants to talk, please reach out to your school staff. Our administrators, counselors, teachers and staff are all here to help. We know that connecting with a trusted adult, community partner or family member is most important when students want to process or talk about what they are experiencing. We are here to listen, learn and support.

I stand side by side with our community and our district to continue doing everything we can to heal and grow together. I thank you for your partnership in talking with your children often about racism. Our families of color must have these conversations on a regular basis, most likely daily.  However, it is the work of all communities to work for the rejection of deep-rooted racism and harm that communities of color are experiencing. 

Lake Oswego students and families, I want you to know that we stand in collective support of the beautiful and growing diversity among us. We are committed to working every single day with others to make our schools and community places for each and every member of our community to thrive and prosper. We strive to do our part to build an environment that is safe and inclusive. We sometimes fail in that mission when a student, a family or a staff member feels unseen, unheard or unwelcome. Please know that we’ll never stop listening, learning and working to fulfill our responsibilities to our community. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Families,

As the end of the 2019-2020 school year draws near, we want to clarify the grading system mandated by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and what you may expect at the close of this spring term.  

Grading System for Grades K-5

All LOSD report cards for students in grades K-5 will be available to parents/guardians electronically via ParentVUE by June 12. You will not receive your student’s report card in the mail this year. Please click here for instructions on how to log into ParentVUE, or contact your school secretary. The second semester elementary report card message will state: "School closure was ordered by Governor Brown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic progress is marked with an “S” as teachers do not have adequate summative assessment data for students." Elementary report cards will not have attendance data or individualized comments; Thank you for your engagement and participation in distance learning. 

Grading System for Grades 6-12

As is the same for elementary students, all LOSD report cards for students in grades 6-12 will be available to parents/guardians via ParentVUE by June 12. You will not receive your student’s report card in the mail this year.  Please click here for instructions on how to log into ParentVUE, or contact your school secretary. For high school transcripts, the second semester transcript will include this message: "2019-20: All Oregon schools were closed from March 16, 2020, through the end of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, instruction was delivered per the OR Department of Education's ‘Distance Learning for All’ guidance, and Pass/Incomplete grades were used for Semester 2." 

A Pass fulfills credit of completion towards graduation and progressing to the next grade level. Students may demonstrate a “pass” towards completion through a variety of ways: completing a work product, showing proficiency through submitted responses or written work, or showing proficiency through an assessment, etc. Students will be awarded a passing completion based on the most essential skills required to learn. If a student was passing prior to the school closure, and is unable (or limited) to access distance learning through no fault of their own, they will not be penalized. 

Grades for dual credit courses will be transcribed as a Pass/Incomplete on the LOSD transcript. 

All grade point averages (GPA) for students in grades 9-12 will not include this spring term; in other words, students’ cumulative GPAs will be divided by seven semesters, instead of eight.

If a Student is Not Passing

Our efforts are focused on every student being able to pass all spring classes. Per ODE, if a high school student receives an incomplete for the second semester they will have a credit assurance plan created by the teacher for the student to finish what is needed.  

All Grades Individualized Education Plans

Case managers will continue working closely with students on individualized education plans (IEP) to ensure requirements are met. They will be providing IEP progress reports along with report cards.

State Assessments

Each spring, students take various state assessments based on their grade level and participation in the district’s English Learner program. This year, most students did not take the assessments due to the COVID-19 shutdown. Scores on state assessments are only one measure of a student’s academic progress. If students completed a state assessment this year — as some schools administered some tests before March 13 — their score will be shared with parents/guardians as in past years. 

The Essential Skills graduation requirements for the Class of 2020 and 2021 have been waived. 

Grading Next School Year

While we anticipate guidance from the Governor and Oregon Department of Education, we are planning for multiple school scenarios that provide continuity of learning, depending on circumstances. Regardless of being at home or on campus, we anticipate applying the traditional letter grading system after this semester/trimester.

Plans will evolve with new information through the summer. With many uncertainties, one thing is sure - we will have your children at the center of our thinking and planning.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Families,

I want to thank all who have already responded to the family survey in The Current this past Friday. If you haven't done so already, please complete this five-minute survey to help inform how we engage with you and your students during distance learning.

Distance learning will continue through June 5, the last day of the 2019-2020 school year for LOSD students in grades K-11. Along with you, we are following the state’s reopening plans very closely and making contingencies for when we can be together in-person. We are guided by changing mandates and will keep you apprised of all decisions.

Our community has been navigating uncertainty since learning of the first case of Covid-19 in Oregon. I appreciate your continued grace, flexibility and patience as we engage in distance learning and make plans for the near future.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Families,

We have some additional information to share with you that we received from the Oregon Department of Education regarding diploma requirements, grades, and assessments for students in grades 9-11. At this time until further notice, LOSD is applying this information from ODE for our students in grades K-11.

These remaining months of school count for all students who are working to fulfill their credits of completion towards graduation and progressing to the next grade level. The only difference is that teachers will award a Pass/Incomplete credit instead of a letter grade in June. 

LOSD has established new structures and resources to support Distance Learning, and we are actively monitoring participation and reaching out to families to ensure each and every student is able to engage. Students are highly encouraged to continue with their studies through the remainder of this school year in order to be best prepared for their next level of instruction.

Awarding Pass/Incomplete as final credits for 2020 spring term (Grades 6-11)

At the end of this final spring term, students enrolled in grades 6-11 will be awarded Pass/Incomplete status for credit completion instead of a letter grade. All students’ grade point averages (GPA) will essentially be “frozen” at the last official grading period before the school closure on March 13, creating a neutral effect for GPAs. Grades for dual credit courses will be transcribed as a Pass/Incomplete on the LOSD transcript. Case managers will continue working closely with students on individualized education plans to ensure requirements are met before awarding a Pass/Incomplete credit. This model is being employed by many institutions of higher education and school districts across the country.  

Why will students not receive a letter grade?

• During this extended school closure, educators will experience gaps in effectively evaluating what students know and can do.

• Distance learning capacity does not exist at scale for all students to have a comparable opportunity to learn and demonstrate their learning. Grading in this setting may reflect a student’s access to learning materials, internet reliability or family support more than individual learning.

• These limitations make grading a challenging and, possibly, unfair practice during this extended school closure.

If students are not receiving letter grades, how do they complete the semester/trimester?

Students may demonstrate a “pass” towards completion through a variety of ways: completing a work product, showing proficiency through submitted responses or written work or showing proficiency through an exam, etc. Students will be awarded a passing completion based on the most essential skills required to learn. If a student was passing prior to the school closure, and is unable (or limited) to access distance learning through no fault of their own, they will not be penalized.

What about students who have a non-passing grade in a class so far?

Students who were not passing a class prior to March 13 will need to continue working with their teacher(s) to demonstrate proficiency with the essential standards to pass. Teachers and counselors and students will work together to develop a personalized plan for this to happen. Our efforts will focus on every student being able to pass all spring classes. 

How will students receive feedback?

Feedback about students’ learning will be provided meaningfully. Feedback will focus on how a student is progressing and showing proficiency with specific skills and standards, for example, through rubrics, written comments, and coaching in a timely manner among others.

Adjusting Diploma Requirements for Grade 11 (Class of 2021)

Smarter Balanced assessments were canceled this spring.

• Class of 2021 students will not need the SBAC (Smarter Balanced) assessment scores to graduate. State assessments scheduled to be taken in Grade 11 were waived. This includes the Essential Skills requirement. 

• Students must still maintain a total of 24 credits to earn a state standard diploma,  and 25 credits to earn a diploma from LOSD in 2021.

What about Grades K-5? 

We are still awaiting official word from ODE regarding grading expectations for third quarter and year-end reporting for grades K-5. At this time, LOSD plans to apply the guidance given for grades 9-11 to our students in all grades until further notice. 

Looking Ahead

Since we will not be returning to finish this school year on our campuses, school principals and district leaders are looking ahead at spring events and activities that will either be cancelled or rescheduled or modified. Families will receive communication in the coming days and weeks regarding how these adjustments will be made.

Thank You

We understand the enormous responsibility Distance Learning places on everyone involved as you create time, space, routine and support for learning at home. Please give yourself grace and only do what you can manage. We want you to prioritize your family’s physical and emotional health during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers, school counselor or your principal if you feel overwhelmed or need assistance.

We care about each of you.

Sincerely,

Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Community,

Today we heard from Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) that school campuses statewide will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to facilitate social distancing in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

Not returning to school in-person, while necessary for health and safety, is heartbreaking on many levels. We are incredibly sad that we will not be coming back together as a community for the remainder of this school year. We know and understand that this is difficult news to hear for our staff and students and families.

District leaders and staff will begin working on adjusting plans for events and activities that typically occur in these remaining months of school, and we will communicate these in coming days and weeks. In the meantime, Distance Learning for All will officially begin on Monday, April 13.  

We also learned today about the plans for high school grades, credits and graduation requirements for seniors. Seniors will have a path to graduation.

How will seniors get credit for their final classes?

Senior’s final credits for the spring term shall be awarded a pass/no pass grade. This means that if a student was passing their class prior to March 13 when we closed school, this status would be the final credit determination for the semester. This model will allow a student’s GPA to be based on previous complete terms and will not be dependent on the district’s or student’s ability to engage in continued learning during the extend

What about students who were not passing their class prior to March 13?

Seniors who were not passing their class prior to March 13 will need to continue working with their teacher(s) to review, re-learn and re-submit evidence to their teacher(s) that they can show proficiency with the same learning standards taught before March 13.  Teachers and students will work together to develop that plan. Seniors will have the remaining two months of school as well the summer to achieve their graduation requirements.   

Will there be a senior graduation ceremony, diplomas, scholarships, awards? 

We will do our best to create an experience for students to receive their diploma and celebrate with their peers. The social distancing and health guidelines given to Oregonians in the coming months will determine how and when we can design a celebration.  Our high schools will still recognize student accomplishments such as outstanding academic performance, academic honors, scholarships, various academic cords, etc. Students should continue to fill out applications for scholarships. More information on this subject will be coming to families as available and in the coming weeks.

We know many of our families are experiencing challenges and hardships during this unprecedented time. It is stressful for all. During this time of constant change, be assured that the LOSD community is here for you. We continue our focus on the safety and well-being of each and every student. We are here to work with you to create a distance learning environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Families,

LOSD is providing free meal service for all students in need starting this Wednesday, April 1. The “grab and go” meals will be packaged individually and available for pick up at any one of the following four schools every Monday and Wednesday, between 10:30-11:30 a.m., until further notice:

• Lake Oswego High School

• Lake Grove Elementary School

• Lakeridge Middle School

• Lakeridge High School

Recipients may pick up the “grab and go” meals at the front entrance of each school. Students or a parent or guardian may pick up on behalf of a student by showing enrollment ID number or by providing the student’s name. Pick up will be for 2-3 days worth of breakfast and lunch meals. 

For questions about the meal service for students, please email LOSD Director of Food Services Christ Hogan at hoganc@loswego.k12.or.us.

Additional Community Resources

Hunger Fighters is continuing to serve all families in Lake Oswego. The food pantry’s upcoming drive-thru service is this Wednesday, April 1, 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, April 4, 1-4 p.m. Please check the Hunger Fighters website for updates and more information.  Local businesses and individuals have donated generously, and Hunger Fighters is prepared to serve all in need.

Mountain Park Church is offering free sack lunches to any family in need on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Families can either register online or via phone. Families need to register for the upcoming week by Sunday at 8 p.m. 

We understand the additional hardships brought on by school closures. Please consider participating in these meal services provided by LOSD and our community partners.

Dear LOSD Families,

Late last night we received new guidance from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) about moving from the original mandate of providing “Supplemental Education and Learning Supports” to delivering “Distance Learning for All.” 

This shift means your students will be learning new material and receiving assessments and credit for their work remotely. This shift also signals the potential for schools to remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The potential of not returning to school in-person is heavy on our hearts and tough to comprehend, and its implications will take time for all of us to fully process. Regardless, we are looking forward to engaging your students in remote digital learning opportunities starting this Thursday, April 2.

LOSD leadership needs to take time over the next couple of days to analyze, interpret and make plans for the shift. From our initial pass of the updated guidance from ODE, we believe LOSD is well positioned to deliver on this new direction. Much of what ODE is asking districts to deliver is how we in LOSD have already been preparing our teachers, staff, students and families. We knew going into offering digital learning opportunities that we needed to provide for each and every student in our care. 

Between now and April 13, which is the date ODE has identified as the “go live” date for the new guidance, is our time to transition our community into a new way of teaching and learning. It’s an opportunity for us to practice and try new things, figuring out what works and what could work better. All along the way we will be sharing with you new developments, directions and supports. Your patience, flexibility and grace in this rapidly changing environment is greatly appreciated. 

What exactly will it look like for your students starting this week? Teachers and staff are officially back at work today, and they are actively planning and preparing educational materials to engage with your students starting this Thursday, April 2. Here’s what you can do to prepare your student for that day:

• Look forward to an email from your principal and/or teacher(s) by the end of the day Wednesday, April 1 (if not sooner) with details on how your student can engage.

• The routine will be:

• April 2 and April 3: teachers and staff engaging with students, making connections, transitioning to digital learning

• April 6: teacher and staff preparation day

• April 7-April 10: teachers engage students in digital learning opportunities for work independently and collaboratively; teachers interact one:one with students at scheduled times

• Until further notice, we anticipate carrying out the routine of Mondays for preparation and Tuesdays through Fridays for teacher-student engagement and interaction

• The daily schedule will be flexible enough to accommodate various and different teachers, students and families’ demands of working from home

• Make sure your student has an instructional learning device, either from home or one provided by LOSD. As long as the device can access the Google platform, your student will be able to engage in distance learning. The last day for picking up a LOSD-issued device is Wednesday, April 1, at Lake Oswego High School from 1-4 p.m.  Students from all schools will need to pick up requested devices at this location and time.

• Please submit a help request ticket here or go onto losdschools.org if you run into any technology issues (from passwords to hardware concerns). Your help request ticket will get routed to the best person to assist you with your needs.

I am confident in the talent and skills of our leaders, teachers and staff, and we all stand together in support of our students, each other, and our community. We are very much looking forward to reengaging with your student starting on April 2. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Community,

At this time, we cannot allow parents or students to enter school buildings. In a few weeks, we will reevaluate and may consider scheduling time for parents and guardians to request access to lockers and desks. 

Starting this week principals, teachers and staff will be introducing digital learning opportunities, preparing “grab and go” meals, and providing emergency childcare for children of first responders, health care professionals, and other front-line staff who are a vital support to enable communities to respond to challenges presented by COVID-19. Most district work and functions can be done remotely, but a few essential tasks require an onsite presence. 

For the safety of our staff and the community, we are carefully adhering to the Governor’s executive order to stay home and to practice social distancing. Further, we must clean and disinfect the facilities after any spaces are used. For this reason, we are restricting the number of people entering schools to essential staff only. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate our new normal for the safety and well-being of our LOSD community.

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Dear LOSD Families,

We hope you and your families are healthy and well, and making the best of this surreal time in our world. Staying home to save lives is critical -- thank you for doing your part. We in LOSD are preparing digital learning opportunities to help make social distancing a little easier to endure, and hopefully make us all come out of it a little better. Before LOSD teachers and staff can connect with each and every student on April 2, we need your attention on three very important items: devices, meals and childcare.

LOSD is preparing for a last round of device pickups from Lake Oswego High School next Wednesday, April 1, 1-4 p.m. It is one pick up location for students of all schools. Please be sure to print, complete and sign the check out form when coming to pick up a device.

If you have not yet picked up a device and need one for your student, please fill out this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/66T3GST. Please submit all device requests through this survey by Sunday, March 29, 5 p.m. so that we may prepare the devices for pickups. If you complete the survey, assume a device will be ready for you. Please do not wait for a confirmation email. 

If your student has a device (laptop, computer, Chromebook or iPad) that can access Google, you are not required to pick up a school-issued device to participate in LOSD digital learning opportunities.

If you completed the first survey, and did not pick up a device and still need one, please complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/66T3GST so we know to expect you next week.

If your middle schooler has a broken Chromebook and/or a missing charger (and you have not found one to purchase in time), please complete the survey to obtain a new device and charger. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/66T3GST

If you are unable to make it to Lake Oswego High School during this last pickup, please ask a friend or neighbor for assistance. As long as a parent or guardian completes and signs the checkout form, another person may pick up a device on behalf of your students.

LOSD is preparing to provide meals to students who are enrolled in the free and reduced meal program. The “grab and go” meal service will begin next Wednesday, April 1. Meals, consistent with the requirements provided by the Oregon Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be packaged individually and available for pick up at select school locations. Meals will be served on two days a week, providing up to 2-3 days of meals at a time.  

We are notifying families of students in the program directly with more details and information. At this time, we are not able to offer meals on a paid basis. Additional details on our food service program will be shared before next Wednesday, April 1.  For questions about the meal service for your student, please email LOSD Director of Food Services Christ Hogan at hoganc@loswego.k12.or.us.

If you are interested in enrolling your student(s) in the free and reduced meal service, please click here go to losdschools.org/foodservices for information on eligibility and to submit your application with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).  Eligibility determinations on completed applications are usually made by ODE within roughly 24 hours during the work week.  Please submit applications as soon as possible; due to present circumstances, there will likely be some processing delays.  

Hunger Fighters is continuing to serve all families in Lake Oswego. The food pantry’s upcoming drive-thru service is this Saturday, March 28, 1-4 p.m. and Wednesday, April 1, 4-6 p.m. Please continue to check the Hunger Fighters website for updates and more information. 

LOSD will be providing emergency childcare for first responders, emergency workers and health care professionals. Childcare will be consistent with the guidance and requirements provided by the Early Learning Division of ODE. LOSD is able to care for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, between the hours of 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

To find available childcare providers in our area and to begin the registration process for this emergency service, please call 211, an information service that connects people with health and social organizations. 

Thank you for your responsiveness as we prepare for the official return of our teachers, staff and students after Spring Break next week. We are very much looking forward to reconnecting with you and your students on April 2.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD

Good morning,

I have received reports of a scamming email that has been sent to some staff and parents. This is spam and an attempt to scare individuals into paying a ransom. If you receive an email like the one below, please flag it as spam and delete it. Do not click on any links or respond to the email in any way. The email will contain something in the subject line such as “Your security” or “Breach of Security”.  

What can you do to protect yourself from these attacks?

1. If you have not enabled 2-step verification for your Google account, we suggest you do that now by following these instructions: 2-Step Verification
2. Change your Google password by following these instructions: How to change your Google password
3. Download malware software, and run a scan on your device.  Download Malwarebytes for WindowsDownload Malwarebytes for Mac
4. NEVER give out any personal information in response to an email.  The District will never request this type of information from you.

If you did respond to this email, please reach out to me and I will investigate further.

For more information on protecting your devices and information, visit the FTC's website: Computer Security

If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us via Zendesk.

Thank you,

James Miller, Director of Computer and Networking Services, LOSD

____________________________________________________________________________

Greetings (your name here).

I am a representative of the Anonymous hacktivist group.

In the period between 1/14/20 to 2/23/20 we gained access to your email  account  by hacking into loswego.k12.or.us mail servers.

 Our program is able to retrieve your password in the mail servers, so everytime you try to change it, we will know your password! When we gained access to your account, we were able to exploit your browser and infect your device with our malware.

At the moment, we have access to all your contacts. We also have access to your messaging applications and even your deleted messages. We also have access to saved credit card information, passwords, search history, all your user accounts on your device, phone calls from the past year, and even your photos. While you were using your device, we hijacked your camera and took multiple pictures and video recordings, all this content was automatically saved to our server in a file. 

We recovered a phone number corresponding to you: (lists phone number)

As well as a home address tied to you: (list address)

From the moment this email is delivered, you have 72 hours until we release these clips and files to your contacts. We will also upload these clips and files to the dark web from our server for many dangerous hackers to see and use against you. 

IF you don't want this to happen, transfer $500 to our Bitcoin cryptocurrency wallet: bc1q30yvxaw0az9r9a5hwg0wyf4aqej4c5ftfem8su

 

To buy Bitcoin, visit: https://www.coinbase.com/

 

Once the transfer is complete, we will delete ALL your personal information and personal files corresponding to you.

IF no money arrives within 72 hours, we will release hell upon you.

 

ANY attempt to gain help from authorities will result in immediate action of your personal files and information.

Take care of yourself! We are always watching.

 

 

- Anon-- 

Dear LOSD Community,

Our message earlier today about technology checkouts prompted a large number of new requests for devices. We are fortunate in LOSD to be able to equip each and every student with an instructional learning device. To help manage our inventory and distribute the devices as seamlessly as possible, we need families to complete the survey before picking up a device.

If you completed the survey before last Sunday, March 22, we will have a device ready for pick up at your student’s school this week. Please do not come to school this week unless you completed the survey before Sunday.

If you did not complete the survey before Sunday, and now find your student(s) need a device, please fill out this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T3Z5DKY We will have another pickup time for you next week.

An instructional device allows students to access the Google or Seesaw platform. The district equips students with an iPad (Grades K-2) or a Chromebook (Grades 3-12) and a charger that fits the device. If you have a computer or laptop at home, those serve as instructional devices, too.  

Please note: all middle school students have been issued a Chromebook. Please check with your middle school student before requesting a new device. If the Chromebook was left in a locker, your student may come to pick up this week to retrieve it. All devices have different charges so we cannot plan to replace them. If your student lost a charger and you plan to buy another one on Amazon, please double check the make and model of the Chromebook.

You can fill out the survey for multiple students at multiple schools. The survey only allows you to complete it once to avoid duplicate requests. If you have twins in the same grade, please check another grade at your school for one of your twins. We will issue both students a device at pick up.

You will not need a printer at home. Digital Learning Opportunities will not require students to access additional devices, such as printers. We will not have any additional devices at pick up.

We are providing hotspots for families who do not have any Internet access at home. We understand many people trying to work from home will put demands on bandwidth. LOSD’s Digital Learning Opportunities will be flexible, allowing your students to be online at different and various times throughout the day to accommodate your family's schedule. 

Thank you for your patience and willingness as we all prepare for the upcoming Digital Learning Opportunities.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Assistant Superintendent, LOSD